When Adam Fraley and Ronnie Musetti opened The Nor’Easter Pound & Market in Northeast Harbor, they didn’t just want to serve great food—they wanted to create a gathering place for the island. “I moved away for school and work, and even with a dream job and a nice apartment, I realized I missed being around here, missed my family,” Adam says. “Then we had the opportunity to come back and start this business. And now here we are, seven years later.”
Adam and Ronnie’s connection to Mount Desert Island runs deep. Born and raised on the island, their lives have always been intertwined with the community. “We grew up here, went to school here, and this is where our families and friends are,” Adam explains. “Opening a restaurant here wasn’t just about food—it was about being part of the place we know and love.”
From the start, Adam discovered just how central a restaurant can be to island life. “People get in routines—they have their favorite dishes, meet family on certain nights, or older friends gather for lunch,” he says. “It became a bigger part of the community than I realized.”
That commitment extends beyond meals. The Nor’Easter has supported countless local fundraisers for nonprofits and community events, and its gift shop features products from island artisans. Ronnie, a lobsterman, adds another layer of connection by providing fresh lobster straight from his traps to the restaurant. “Our goal is to support nonprofits, local endeavors, and small businesses,” Adam says. “The more we do that, the stronger our connection and reputation in the community.”
Looking ahead, Adam says the focus remains the same: community, collaboration, and quality. “We want to keep building connections, supporting local initiatives, and staying active in island life,” he says. “We love this place, and we’re proud to contribute in a meaningful way.”
